20 Foods most craved by pregnant women

Newlywed, new mom and first-time home buyer, Sarah is currently playing out her exciting life in Phoenix, Arizona. She recently gave up her job in finance to stay at home with her baby girl, who between bath time and feeding time, keeps ...

What pregnant women crave

One of the best — and worst — things about being pregnant is all the random food cravings. Though some women reportedly crave chalk, fortunately that's not one of the top 20 cravings pregnant women face.

Pregnancy cravings differ from regular cravings in the sense that it's about a million times stronger. You wake up with a burning desire for a Chipotle burrito or an ice-cold root beer and will go out of your way to satisfy it. You'll drive miles upon miles to meet the craving, and have no shame in waking your husband up in the middle of the night to go buy and cook you bacon. Hey, what baby wants, baby gets, right? Let's take a look at the top foods craved most by pregnant women and why!

1. Ice

Pregnant women love to chew on ice. Seems strange, since it's not really a food and doesn't seem in any way satisfying to those of us not with child, but for some reason pregnant women just can't get enough. Those with anemia are more likely to be seen chewing on ice, since it can relieve inflammation of the mouth and tongue (a common symptom of anemia).

2. Chocolate

Chocolate — or any sweet, for that matter — is something pregnant women can't get enough of. This could be because chocolate makes you happy, and since there's no drinking for pregnant women, chocolate is literally the next best thing. An old wives' tale states that if you crave sweets, it means you're carrying a girl.

3. Spicy foods

Spicy foods, such as curry or hot red peppers, are yet another common craving among pregnant women. Interestingly enough, it's because hot foods make the body sweat, which cools off the body. If you're currently expecting, then you know it's almost impossible to stay cool. Try adding some spice to your next meal to see if it helps cool you down.

4. Pickles

Women who crave pickles could be low in sodium, but there's no real proof of this. Some like the crunch, some like the vinegar, and some like the refreshing taste. Whatever it is, pickle cravings are nothing to be too concerned about. They're low in calories, easy to get and inexpensive.

5. Potato chips

Potato chips, like pickles, are loaded with salt. Again, you could be low in sodium, but more than likely you're just desiring something salty and crunchy, and potato chips are what comes to mind. Since they're high in fat and calories, try reaching for some low-fat popcorn instead.

6. Fruit

Pregnant women don't just crave junk food (surprisingly!). They crave fruit as well. You (and your body) want a healthy baby, so sometimes it needs extra healthy foods to make sure that happens. Fruits, such as watermelons and grapes, are cool and refreshing, all while providing your body and baby with a boost of vitamin C.

7. Lemon

It's not unheard of to see a pregnant woman eating a straight lemon or adding a ton of it to their water. Pregnant women crave sour foods. The reason? Your taste buds change, and typically you like to "shock" them with super-sour or super-spicy foods.

8. Ice cream

Ice cream is sweet, it cools you off, and it's rich and creamy. With so many flavors to choose from, a pregnant woman could literally spend hours in the ice cream aisle. For a healthier version, buy low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt and top with fresh fruit. You might kill two cravings in one sitting.

9. Soda

If you've experienced or are experiencing morning sickness, then a fizzy, carbonated soda might be just what you need. Carbonation settles the stomach and may take away that queasy feeling you've had all day. Try ginger ale or Sprite, as caffeinated beverages should be avoided during pregnancy.

10. Coffee

Even though some doctors say it's a no-no, coffee is commonly craved by pregnant women, especially those who drank it before conceiving. Coffee makes you more alert and decreases headaches and depression. Check with your doctor before deciding to partake in a cup o' joe, though.

11. Sugary sweets

A craving for sweets and candy is one of the most commonly reported among pregnant women. This can sometimes be a sign of gestational diabetes, but most of the time it can be chalked up to hormonal changes that affect your scent and taste perception. Try eating fruit or having a glass of freshly squeezed juice to satisfy your craving — or just stick to one small piece of candy a day.

12. Beans and greens

While many pregnant women crave junk foods, some crave healthier foods too. Leafy green veggies, legumes and whole grains provide the body with tons of essential nutrients, including magnesium and fiber. Feel free to indulge in these foods as often as you like.

13. Red meat

Red meat is full of protein and iron, which many pregnant women crave. The key here is to skip the fattier cuts like rib-eye and go for round or sirloin cuts. Or choose your favorite lean ground beef to make burgers.

14. Juice

Most fruit juices are full of vitamins, and growing a baby inside of you can be thirsty work! That's why many women report craving juice when they are pregnant even if they used to only drink water before. As long as you stick to no-added-sugar juices, feel free to guzzle an 8-ounce serving when the craving kicks in.

15. Salt

It's not uncommon for women to crave salty foods as their pregnancy goes on. The reason? An increase in blood volume can change your dietary need for sodium. If salt is what you crave, then stick to the shaker — the sodium in processed foods can far exceed the needs of even a pregnant woman and often contain extra unsavory ingredients.

16. Vinegar

Sometimes a pickle craving escalates, and it turns out that vinegar is what a pregnant woman really wants. Some women lust after sauerkraut or salt 'n' vinegar chips, while some even admit to drinking the stuff straight up! Try unfiltered apple cider vinegar, which you can mix with seltzer for a refreshing drink — just watch out for heartburn.

17. Dairy

Milk, yogurt and cheese, oh my! Lots of pregnant women get the urge to eat dairy after their first trimester (when dairy can cause some tummy trouble). Calcium and protein-rich, low-fat dairy foods, like string or cottage cheese, skim milk and Greek yogurt, are great choices to satisfy these cravings.

18. Crazy combinations

Ever heard of moms-to-be dunking pickles into peanut butter or putting olives in their ice cream? No one knows exactly why some women crave unusual combinations of food when they're pregnant, but some theorize that it's the body's way of making sure the growing baby receives a broad range of nutrients. So feel free to ignore the strange looks from your family and friends, and mix it up however you like in the kitchen.

19. Comfort food

If you find yourself craving your mom's mac & cheese or a dish you have at Christmas every year, it might not have any relation to your body's physical needs. Pregnancy can be tough, and it's totally normal to crave foods that make you think of cozy, calmer times. So don't stress — let yourself indulge in an old favorite if it makes you feel better.

20. Non-edible food

If you're craving chalk, dirt or any other non-food item, then go see your doctor. Pica — a condition in which one craves and eats non-food items — can be very dangerous, especially if you give in to the craving. It's thought that pica can indicate an iron deficiency, but even if that's not the case, you should consult your physician to figure out what your body is trying to tell you.